As well being a YouTube phenomenon and pianist, Nahre Sol is also an acclaimed composer. Her works include song cycles, piano music and film soundtracks. Her hugely popular videos, in which she translates well-known melodies into different musical styles, have been viewed by millions.
As Creator in Residence, the young American has been posting videos to her 600,000+ subscribers throughout the course of the 2023/24 Elbphilharmonie season. And now, bringing her residency to a close with a special final flourish, Nahre Sol has composed variations on the world-famous iPhone ringtone known as »Opening«.
»In the style of ...«
Written for string quartet, she transforms the short ringtone melody in creative ways into the unmistakable classical styles of composers like Bach and Mozart, and the tango maestro Astor Piazolla. Anyone of the opinion that a ringtone is far too simplistic for ornate baroque or rapturous romanticism is in for a big surprise ...
The musicians in Ensemble Resonanz in Hamburg love to experiment and make the perfect line-up for this special world premiere in the exclusive Sky Lounge on the 20th floor of the Elbphilharmonie. Applying their incredible stylistic versatility and, of course, working closely with Nahre Sol, they throw all their passion into these contrasting variations.
Performers
Barbara Bultmann Violin
Gregor Dierck Violin
Tim-Erik Winzer Viola
Saerom Park Cello
(Members of Hamburg’s Ensemble Resonanz)
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About the Ensemble Resonanz
Bursting with musical zest and artistic virtuosity, Hamburg-based Ensemble Resonanz is one of the world’s leading chamber orchestras. In a host of innovative concert programmes, the musicians span the arc from the traditional to the contemporary. Their vibrant interpretation of old masterpieces, while referencing contemporary compositions, often reveals surprising outcomes. The ensemble’s residency at the Elbphilharmonie includes the concert series »resonanzen«, which has been causing a sensation in Hamburg for over 20 seasons now.
The ensemble also sets the tone for lively performances of both classical and contemporary music at children’s concerts and taking part in festivals. The 21-strong string orchestra resides in the »resonanzraum« in the famous bunker in Hamburg’s St. Pauli neighbourhood. It is democratically organised and known to always bring a wide range of artistic partners on board: The violinist and conductor Riccardo Minasi is »Principal Guest Conductor & Partner in Crime«, and the ensemble has forged close artistic ties with violist Tabea Zimmermann, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, conductor Emilio Pomàrico and scenographer Annette Kurz.
Ensemble Resonanz © Tobias Schult
Programme
Nahre Sol: »Variations on the iPhone Ringtone«
Theme
Baroque (Bach)
Classical (Mozart)
Early Romantic (Schubert)
Post-Romantic (Ravel)
Contemporary Tango (Piazzolla)
Variation Nahre Sol
About Nahre Sol
While studying piano at the renowned Juilliard School in New York, Nahre Sol discovered another creative outlet in digital formats, as a content creator. Over 600,000 subscribers watch along as the young American explores all facets of music – from Beethoven to Debussy, synthesizers and computer game music to conducting and harmony theory. Her YouTube channel alone has some 50 million views. Nahre Sol also reaches hundreds of thousands of people on Instagram and TikTok with her innovative approach to disseminating music.
Besides her videos and concert appearances as a pianist, Nahre Sol also enjoys global success as a composer. Her works include soundtracks, piano and chamber music, in addition to compelling song cycles, some of which have of course already been performed on the Elbphilharmonie stage.
The Location
The sloping ceiling hints as much: up here on the 20th floor, one is directly beneath the Elbphilharmonie's famous undulating white roof. The »Kühne Sky Lounge« is used for special gatherings, and not only offers a great panoramic view of the Hamburg docklands, but also exclusive access to the building's only roof terrace.
Production:
Frederic Couson Sound
Nils Kohstall, Julian Conrad, Pauline Schüler Camera
Julian Conrad Edit
Julika von Werder, Julian Conrad Production Management
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
